St Johnstone's hopes of gaining European qualification were dealt a blow as they were beaten 1-0 by hosts Ross County in the Scottish Premiership this evening.
Johnstone's James McFadden came close in the opening minutes of the game when he fired towards Mark Brown, who did well to make a save in the centre of goal.
With County failing to muster too much in the opening half, the home side's best chance came through Martin Woods, who struck a standout effort towards the top left corner of goal, only to be denied by Alan Mannus.
The visitors were left a little frustrated after the break as they failed to threaten the County goal, Simon Lappin producing a telling effort that flew high and wide without troubling the keeper.
The second period continued in much the same fashion as the first, until Liam Boyce gambled well to head home from Jamie Reckord's cross six minutes from time to earn the hosts a surprise win.
Christopher Dodd
